Use of propineb as bird repellent

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the novel use of Propineb as bird repellent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/762,872, filed Apr. 19, 2010, which claims priority to Europeanapplication no. 09158471.4, filed Apr. 22, 2009, the content of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the novel use of Propineb as birdrepellent.

2. Description of Related Art

To avoid, after application, plant treatment agents present in solidform or seeds, undressed or dressed with agrochemically activecompounds, being eaten by birds, it is frequently necessary to usesubstances having bird-repellent properties. Anthraquinone is known as asubstance having such a bird repellent action (cf. Farm ChemicalsHandbook '99, C27), but Anthraquinone is not registered anymore inEurope (therefore, not anymore a product available for cereals).However, it is disadvantageous that the activity of this substance atlow application rates is not always sufficient. Furthermore,dithiocarbamates like Thiram and Ziram are also know as bird repellents(cf. The Pesticide Manual, 11^(th) Edition 1997, pages 1277-1279, J.Forestry 1962, 60, 37-39, and FAO Plant Protection Bull. 1960, 8,38-42).

Furthermore, it is known that Propineb has fungicidal properties and canbe used for controlling various plant diseases (cf. The PesticideManual, 11^(th) Edition 1997, pages 1032-1034 and GB Patent 935,981).Propineb is a bis-dithiocarbamate and thus has some similarities withdithiocarbamates (e.g. both classes are multi-site fungicides). Butthere are also differences in their fungicide spectrum. Thebis-dithiocarbamates are generally superior against downy mildew, lateblight diseases whereas dithiocarbamates are superior againstascomycetes diseases. Also, Thiram is recognized as a good anti-Pythiumcontrol. Bis-dithiocarbamates are generally weaker against thispathogen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, it has now been found that Propineb of the formula (I)

is highly suitable for use as bird repellent.

It is extremely surprising that Propineb can be used for protectingseeds or plant treatment agents against bird feeding, since suchproperties have hitherto been unknown of this substance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Propineb which can be used according to the invention can be employed assuch or in the form of customary formulations, such as solutions,emulsions, suspensions, powders, pastes, etc. Application is thencarried out by customary methods. Thus, for example, it is possible todress seeds with preparations comprising the active compounds of theformula (I), if appropriate in a mixture with other agrochemicallyactive compounds and customary additives. A further type of applicationcomprises mixing substances which can be used according to the inventioneither as such or in formulated form with other agrochemically activecompounds and with customary formulation auxiliaries and preparing solidplant treatment agents, such as granules or baits, from thesepreparations.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to bird-repellentagrochemical compositions comprising

A) Propineb

B) at least one agrochemically active compound,in addition to extenders and/or surfactants.

In the present context, agrochemically active compounds are to beunderstood as meaning all substances which are customarily used fortreating plants. Fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, acaricides,nematicides, molluscicides, safeners, plant growth regulators and plantnutrients may be mentioned as being preferred.

Examples of fungicides which may be mentioned are:

(1) Inhibitors of the nucleic acid synthesis, for example benalaxyl,benalaxyl-M, bupirimate, clozylacon, dimethirimol, ethirimol, furalaxyl,hymexazol, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, ofurace, oxadixyl and oxolinic acid.(2) Inhibitors of the mitosis and cell division, for example benomyl,carbendazim, chlorfenazole, diethofencarb, ethaboxam, fuberidazole,pencycuron, thiabendazole, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl and zoxamide.(3) Inhibitors of the respiration, for example diflumetorim asCI-respiration inhibitor; bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram,flutolanil, fluopyram, furametpyr, furmecyclox, isopyrazam(9R-component), isopyrazam (9S-component), mepronil, oxycarboxin,penthiopyrad, thifluzamide as CII-respiration inhibitor; amisulbrom,azoxystrobin, cyazofamid, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, famoxadone,fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin,orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyribencarb,trifloxystrobin as CIII-respiration inhibitor.(4) Compounds capable to act as an uncoupler, like for examplebinapacryl, dinocap, fluazinam and meptyldinocap.(5) Inhibitors of the ATP production, for example fentin acetate, fentinchloride, fentin hydroxide, and silthiofam.(6) Inhibitors of the amino acid and/or protein biosynthesis, forexample andoprim, blasticidin-S, cyprodinil, kasugamycin, kasugamycinhydrochloride hydrate, mepanipyrim and pyrimethanil.(7) Inhibitors of the signal transduction, for example fenpiclonil,fludioxonil and quinoxyfen.(8) Inhibitors of the lipid and membrane synthesis, for examplebiphenyl, chlozolinate, edifenphos, etridiazole, iodocarb, iprobenfos,iprodione, isoprothiolane, procymidone, propamocarb, propamocarbhydrochloride, pyrazophos, tolclofos-methyl and vinclozolin.(9) Inhibitors of the ergosterol biosynthesis, for example aldimorph,azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazole,difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dodemorph, dodemorphacetate, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenarimol, fenbuconazole,fenhexamid, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fluquinconazole, flurprimidol,flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole,imazalil, imazalil sulfate, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole,myclobutanil, naftifine, nuarimol, oxpoconazole, paclobutrazol,pefurazoate, penconazole, piperalin, prochloraz, propiconazole,prothioconazole, pyributicarb, pyrifenox, quinconazole, simeconazole,spiroxamine, tebuconazole, terbinafine, tetraconazole, triadimefon,triadimenol, tridemorph, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole,uniconazole, viniconazole and voriconazole.(10) Inhibitors of the cell wall synthesis, for example benthiavalicarb,dimethomorph, flumorph, iprovalicarb, mandipropamid, polyoxins,polyoxorim, prothiocarb, validamycin A, and valiphenal.(11) Inhibitors of the melanine biosynthesis, for example carpropamid,diclocymet, fenoxanil, phthalide, pyroquilon and tricyclazole.(12) Compounds capable to induce a host defense, like for exampleacibenzolar-S-methyl, probenazole, and tiadinil.(13) Compounds capable to have a multisite action, like for examplebordeaux mixture, captafol, captan, chlorothalonil, copper naphthenate,copper oxide, copper oxychloride, copper preparations such as copperhydroxide, copper sulphate, dichlofluanid, dithianon, dodine, dodinefree base, ferbam, fluorofolpet, folpet, guazatine, guazatine acetate,iminoctadine, iminoctadine albesilate, iminoctadine triacetate,mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, metiram, metiram zinc, oxine-copper,propamidine, sulphur and sulphur preparations including calciumpolysulphide, thiram, tolylfluanid, zineb and ziram.(14) Further compounds like for example2,3-dibutyl-6-chlorothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one, ethyl(2Z)-3-amino-2-cyano-3-phenylprop-2-enoate,N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,N-{2-[1,1′-bi(cyclopropyl)-2-yl]phenyl}-3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(3′,4′,5′-trifluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,3-(difluoromethyl)-N-[4-fluoro-2-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)phenyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,(2E)-2-(2-{[6-(3-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-fluoropyrimidin-4-yl]oxy}phenyl)-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methylethanamide,(2E)-2-{2-[({[(2E,3E)-4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)but-3-en-2-ylidene]amino}-oxy)methyl]phenyl}-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methylethanamide,2-chloro-N-(1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-4-yl)pyridine-3-carboxamide,N-(3-ethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl)-3-(formylamino)-2-hydroxybenzamide,5-methoxy-2-methyl-4-(2-{[({(1E)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylidene}amino)oxy]methyl}phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one,(2E)-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methyl-2-(2-{[({(1E)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylidene}amino)oxy]methyl}phenyl)ethanamide,(2E)-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methyl-2-{2-[(E)-({1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy}imino)methyl]phenyl}ethanamide,(2E)-2-{2-[({[(1E)-1-(3-{[(E)-1-fluoro-2-phenylethenyl]oxy}phenyl)-ethylidene]amino}oxy)methyl]phenyl}-2-(methoxyimino)-N-methylethanamide,1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)cycloheptanol, methyl1-(2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate,N-ethyl-N-methyl-N′-{2-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-[3-(trimethylsilyl)propoxy]phenyl}imidoformamide,N′-{5-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-4-[3-(trimethylsilyl)propoxy]phenyl}-N-ethyl-N-methylimidoformamide,Sedaxane, O-{1-[(4-methoxyphenoxy)methyl]-2,2-dimethylpropyl}1H-imidazole-1-carbothioate,N-[2-(4-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl]oxy}-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-N²-(methylsulfonyl)valinamide,5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine,5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol, propamocarbfosetyl,1-[(4-methoxyphenoxy)methyl]-2,2-dimethylpropyl1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate,1-methyl-N-[2-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)pyridine,2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-4H-chromen-4-one, 2-phenylphenol and salts,3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[2-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide,3,4,5-trichloropyridine-2,6-dicarbonitrile,3-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,3-dimethylisoxazolidin-3-yl]pyridine,3-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-6-methylpyridazine,4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-3,6-dimethylpyridazine,quinolin-8-ol, quinolin-8-ol sulfate (2:1) (salt),5-methyl-6-octyl-3,7-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-amine,5-ethyl-6-octyl-3,7-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-amine,benthiazole, bethoxazin, capsimycin, carvone, chinomethionat, chloroneb,cufraneb, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cyprosulfamide, dazomet, debacarb,dichlorophen, diclomezine, dicloran, difenzoquat, difenzoquatmethylsulphate, diphenylamine, ecomate, ferimzone, flumetover,fluopicolide, fluoroimide, flusulfamide, flutianil, fosetyl-aluminium,fosetyl-calcium, fosetyl-sodium, hexachlorobenzene, irumamycin,isotianil, methasulfocarb, methyl(2E)-2-{2-[({cyclopropyl[(4-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}thio)methyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate,methyl isothiocyanate, metrafenone,(5-bromo-2-methoxy-4-methylpyridin-3-yl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl)methanone,mildiomycin, tolnifanide,N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]propanamide,N-[(4-chlorophenyl)(cyano)methyl]-3-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]propanamide,N-[(5-bromo-3-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl]-2,4-dichloropyridine-3-carboxamide,N-[1-(5-bromo-3-chloropyridin-2-yl)ethyl]-2,4-dichloropyridine-3-carboxamide,N-[1-(5-bromo-3-chloropyridin-2-yl)ethyl]-2-fluoro-4-iodopyridine-3-carboxamide,N-{(Z)-[(cyclopropylmethoxy)imino][6-(difluoromethoxy)-2,3-difluorophenyl]methyl}-2-phenylacetamide,N-{(E)-[(cyclopropylmethoxy)imino][6-(difluoromethoxy)-2,3-difluorophenyl]methyl}-2-phenylacetamide,natamycin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrothal-isopropyl,octhilinone, oxamocarb, oxyfenthiin, pentachlorophenol and salts,phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, phenothrin, phosphorous acid and its salts,propamocarb fosetylate, propanosine-sodium, proquinazid, pyrrolnitrine,quintozene, S-prop-2-en-1-yl5-amino-2-(1-methylethyl)-4-(2-methylphenyl)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioate,tecloftalam, tecnazene, triazoxide, trichlamide,5-chloro-N′-phenyl-N′-prop-2-yn-1-ylthiophene-2-sulfonohydrazide andzarilamid.

Examples of bactericides which may be mentioned are:

bronopol, dichlorophen, nitrapyrin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate,kasugamycin, octhilinone, furancarboxylic acid, oxytetracycline,probenazole, streptomycin, tecloftalam, copper sulphate and other copperpreparations.

Examples of insecticides, acaricides and nematicides which may bementioned are:

(1) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, for example carbamates, e.g.alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, allyxycarb, aminocarb, bendiocarb,benfuracarb, bufencarb, butacarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim,carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, cloethocarb, dimetilan, ethiofencarb,fenobucarb, fenothiocarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb,metam-sodium, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb,promecarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, trimethacarb, XMC, andxylylcarb; or organophosphates, e.g. acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos(-methyl, -ethyl), bromophos-ethyl, bromfenvinfos (-methyl),butathiofos, cadusafos, carbophenothion, chlorethoxyfos,chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos (-methyl/-ethyl), coumaphos,cyanofenphos, cyanophos, chlorfenvinphos, demeton-S-methyl,demeton-S-methylsulphon, dialifos, diazinon, dichlofenthion,dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos,dioxabenzofos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, etrimfos, famphur,fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fensulfothion, fenthion, flupyrazofos,fonofos, formothion, fosmethilan, fosthiazate, heptenophos, iodofenphos,iprobenfos, isazofos, isofenphos, isopropyl, O-salicylate, isoxathion,malathion, mecarbam, methacrifos, methamidophos, methidathion,mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion(-methyl/-ethyl), phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon,phosphocarb, phoxim, pirimiphos (-methyl/-ethyl), profenofos, propaphos,propetamphos, prothiofos, prothoate, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion,pyridathion, quinalphos, sebufos, sulfotep, sulprofos, tebupirimfos,temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos,triclorfon, vamidothion, and imicyafos.(2) GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists, for exampleorganochlorines, e.g. camphechlor, chlordane, endosulfan, gamma-HCH,HCH, heptachlor, lindane, and methoxy-chlor; or fiproles(phenylpyrazoles), e.g. acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil, pyrafluprole,pyriprole, and vaniliprole.(3) Sodium channel modulators/voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers,for example pyrethroids, e.g. acrinathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans,d-trans), beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrinS-cyclopentyl isomer, bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin, bioresmethrin,chlovaporthrin, cis-cypermethrin, cis-resmethrin, cis-permethrin,clocythrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin(alpha-, beta-, theta-, zeta-), cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, empenthrin(1R isomer), esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenfluthrin, fenpropathrin,fenpyrithrin, fenvalerate, flubrocythrinate, flucythrinate, flufenprox,flumethrin, fluvalinate, fubfenprox, gamma-cyhalothrin, imiprothrin,kadethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, metofluthrin, permethrin (cis-, trans-),phenothrin (1R trans isomer), prallethrin, profluthrin, protrifenbute,pyresmethrin, resmethrin, RU 15525, silafluofen, tau-fluvalinate,tefluthrin, terallethrin, tetramethrin (-1R-isomer), tralomethrin,transfluthrin, ZXI 8901, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), eflusilanat; DDT; ormethoxychlor.(4) Nicotinergic acetylcholine receptor agonists/antagonists, forexample chloronicotinyls, e.g. acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran,imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid,thiamethoxam, AKD-1022; or nicotine, bensultap, cartap,thiosultap-sodium, and thiocylam.(5) Allosteric acetylcholine receptor modulators (agonists), for examplespinosyns, e.g. spinosad and spinetoram.(6) Chloride channel activators, for example mectins/macrolides, e.g.abamectin, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, lepimectin, andmilbemectin; or juvenile hormone analogues, e.g. hydroprene, kinoprene,methoprene, epofenonane, triprene, fenoxycarb, pyriproxifen, anddiofenolan.(7) Active ingredients with unknown or non-specific mechanisms ofaction, for example gassing agents, e.g. methyl bromide, chloropicrinand sulfuryl fluoride; selective antifeedants, e.g. cryolite,pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid; or mite growth inhibitors,e.g. clofentezine, hexythiazox, etoxazole.(8) Oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, ATP disruptors, for examplediafenthiuron; organotin compounds, e.g. azocyclotin, cyhexatin andfenbutatin oxide; or propargite, tetradifon.(9) Oxidative phoshorylation decouplers acting by interrupting the Hproton gradient, for example chlorfenapyr, binapacryl, dinobuton,dinocap and DNOC.(10) Microbial disruptors of the insect gut membrane, for exampleBacillus thuringiensis strains.(11) Chitin biosynthesis inhibitors, for example benzoylureas, e.g.bistrifluoron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluazuron, flucycloxuron,flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron,penfluoron, teflubenzuron or triflumuron.

(12) Buprofezin.

(13) Moulting disruptors, for example cyromazine.(14) Ecdysone agonists/disruptors, for example diacylhydrazines, e.g.chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, andFufenozide (JS 118); or azadirachtin.(15) Octopaminergic agonists, for example amitraz.(16) Site III electron transport inhibitors/site II electron transportinhibitors, for example hydramethylnon; acequinocyl; fluacrypyrim; orcyflumetofen and cyenopyrafen.(17) Electron transport inhibitors, for example Site I electrontransport inhibitors, from the group of the METI acaricides, e.g.fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad,tolfenpyrad, and rotenone; or voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers,e.g. indoxacarb and metaflumizone.(18) Fatty acid biosynthesis inhibitors, for example tetronic acidderivatives, e.g. spirodiclofen and spiromesifen; or tetramic acidderivatives, e.g. spirotetramat.(19) Neuronal inhibitors with unknown mechanism of action, e.g.bifenazate.(20) Ryanodine receptor effectors, for example diamides, e.g.flubendiamide,(R),(S)-3-chloro-N¹-{2-methyl-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl}-N²-(1-methyl-2-methylsulphonylethyl)phthalamide,chlorantraniliprole (Rynaxypyr), or Cyantraniliprole (Cyazypyr).(21) Further active ingredients with unknown mechanism of action, forexample amidoflumet, benclothiaz, benzoximate, bromopropylate,buprofezin, chinomethionat, chlordimeform, chlorobenzilate,clothiazoben, cycloprene, dicofol, dicyclanil, fenoxacrim, fentrifanil,flubenzimine, flufenerim, flutenzin, gossyplure, japonilure,metoxadiazone, petroleum, potassium oleate, pyridalyl, sulfluramid,tetrasul, triarathene or verbutine; or one of the following known activecompounds4-{[(6-bromopyrid-3-yl)methyl](2-fluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(6-fluoropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl](2-fluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2-fluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2,2-difluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one(all known from WO 2007/115644),4-{[(5,6-dichloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](2-fluoroethyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one(known from WO 2007/115646),4-{[(6-chloro-5-fluoropyrid-3-yl)methyl](methyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(6-chloro-5-fluoropyrid-3-yl)methyl](cyclopropyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one(both from WO 2007/115643),4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](cyclopropyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one,4-{[(6-chloropyrid-3-yl)methyl](methyl)amino}furan-2(5H)-one (both fromEP-A-0 539 588),[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl](methyl)oxido-λ⁴-sulfanylidene cyanamide,[1-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)ethyl](methyl)oxido-λ⁴-sulfanylidene cyanamide(both from WO 2007/149134) and its diastereomeres (A) and (B)

(also known from WO 2007/149134),[(6-trifluoromethylpyridin-3-yl)methyl](methyl)oxido-λ⁴-sulfanylidenecyanamide (known from WO 2007/095229), or[1-(6-trifluoromethylpyridin-3-yl)ethyl](methyl)oxido-λ⁴-sulfanylidenecyanamide (known from WO 2007/149134) and its diastereomeres (C) and(D), namely Sulfoxaflor (also known from WO 2007/149134)

Examples of molluscicides which may be mentioned are metaldehyde andmethiocarb.

Examples of safeners which may be mentioned are:

(1) Heterocyclic carboxylic acid derivates, for exampledichlorophenylpyrazolin-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, e.g.1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylicacid, diethyl1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate(“mefenpyr-diethyl”), and similar compounds known from WO 91/07874; forexample dichlorophenylpyrazolecarboxylic acid derivatives, e.g. ethyl1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl5-tert-butyl-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate andsimilar compounds known from EP-A 0 333 131 and EP-A 0 269 806; forexample 1,5-diphenylpyrazole-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, e.g. ethyl1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, methyl1-(2-chlorophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, and similarcompounds known from EP-A 0 268 554; for example triazolecarboxylic acidderivatives, e.g. fenchlorazole, fenchlorazole-ethyl, and similarcompounds known from EP-A 0 174 562 and EP-A 0 346 620; for example2-isoxazoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, e.g. ethyl5-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate and similar compoundsknown from WO 91/08202, or5,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylic acid, ethyl5,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate (“isoxadifen-ethyl”),propyl 5,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazole-3-carboxylate knownfrom WO 95/07897.(2) Derivatives of 8-quinolinol, for example derivatives of(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetic acid, e.g.heptan-2-yl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate (“cloquintocet-mexyl”),4-methylpentan-2-yl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate,4-(allyloxy)butyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate,1-(allyloxy)propan-2-yl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate, ethyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate, methyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate, allyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate, 2-{[propylideneamino]oxy}ethyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8yl)oxy]acetate,2-oxopropyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetate, and similar compoundsknown from EP-A 0 086 750, EP-A 0 094 349, EP-A 0 191 736 or EP-A 0 492366, as well as [(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]acetic acid, its hydratesand salts, e.g. the lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium,aluminum, iron, ammonium, quartanary ammonium, sulfonium or phosphoniumsalts as known from WO 02/34048; for example derivatives of[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]malonic acid, e.g diethyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]malonate, diallyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]malonate, ethyl methyl[(5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy]malonate, and similar compounds known fromEP-A 0 582 198.(3) Dichloroacetamides, which are often used as pre-emergence safeners(soil active safeners), e.g. “dichlormid”(N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide), “R-29148” (3dichloroacetyl-2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine) and “R-28725”(3-dichloroacetyl-2,2,-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine) both of the companyStauffer, “benoxacor”(4-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazine), “PPG-1292”(N-allyl-N-[(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-methyl]-dichloroacetamide) of PPGIndustries, “DKA-24”(N-allyl-N-[allylaminocarbonyl)methyl]-dichloroacetamide) of Sagro-Chem,“AD-67” or “MON 4660” (3-dichloroacetyl-1-oxa-3-aza-spiro[4,5]decane) ofNitrokemia and Monsanto, “TI-35” (1-dichloroacetyl-azepane) ofTRI-Chemical RT, “diclonon” (dicyclonon) or “BAS145138” or “LAB145138”(3-dichloroacetyl-2,5,5-trimethyl-1,3-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane) ofBASF, “Furilazol” or “MON 13900”[(RS)-3-dichloroacetyl-5-(2-furyl)-2,2-dimethyloxazolidine], as well asthere (R)-isomer.(4) Acylsulfonamides, for example N-acylsulfonamide of the formula (II)

or its salts (known from WO 97/45016), wherein

-   R¹ represents (C₁-C₆)alkyl, which is unsubstituted or mono- to    trisubstituted by substituents selected from the group consisting of    halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)haloalkoxy and (C₁-C₄)alkylthio;-   R² represents halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, CF₃;-   m is 1 or 2;    or for example 4-(benzoylsulfamoyl)benzamides of the formula (III)

or its salts (known from WO 99/16744), wherein

-   R³, R⁴ independently of one another represent hydrogen,    (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)alkenyl, (C₃-C₆)alkynyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl,-   R⁵ represents halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)haloalkyl or    (C₁-C₄)alkoxy-   n is 1 or 2,    in particular compounds of formula (III), wherein-   R³=cyclopropyl, R⁴=hydrogen and R⁵ _(n)=2-OMe, (“cyprosulfamide”),-   R³=cyclopropyl, R⁴=hydrogen and R⁵ _(n)=5-Cl-2-OMe,-   R³=ethyl, R⁴=hydrogen and R⁵ _(n)=2-OMe,-   R³=isopropyl, R⁴=hydrogen and R⁵ _(n)=5-Cl-2-OMe,-   R³=isopropyl, R⁴=hydrogen and R⁵ _(n)=2-OMe.    or for example benzoylsulfamoylphenylureas of the formula (IV)

(known from EP-A 0 365 484), wherein

-   R⁶, R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen,    (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)alkenyl, (C₃-C₆)alkynyl,-   R⁸ represents halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, CF₃-   r is 1 or 2;    in particular-   1-[4-(N²-methoxybenzoylsulfamoyl)phenyl]-3-methyl urea,-   1-[4-(N²-methoxybenzoylsulfamoyl)phenyl]-3,3-dimethyl urea,-   1-[4-(N-4,5-dimethylbenzoylsulfamoyl)phenyl]-3-methyl urea.    (5) Hydroxyaromatic compounds and aromatic-aliphatic carboxylic acid    derivatives, e.g. ethyl 3,4,5-triacetoxybenzoate,    4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid,    2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid,    2-hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,4-dichlorocinnamic acid (cf. WO    2004/084631, WO 2005/015994, WO 2005/016001).    (6) 1,2-Dihydrochinoxalin-2-ones, e.g.    1-methyl-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2-dihydrochinoxalin-2-one,    1-methyl-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2-dihydrochinoxalin-2-thione,    1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2-dihydrochinoxalin-2-one    hydrochlorid,    1-(2-methylsulfonylaminoethyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2-dihydrochinoxalin-2-one    (cf. WO 2005/112630).    (7) Diphenylmethoxyacetic acid derivatives, e.g. methyl    (diphenylmethoxy)acetate (CAS-Reg. No. 41858-19-9), ethyl    (diphenylmethoxy)acetate or (diphenylmethoxy)acetic acid (cf. WO    98/38856).    (8) Compounds of formula (V)

or its salts (known from WO 98/27049), whereinR⁹ represents halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)haloalkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy,(C₁-C₄)haloalkoxy,R¹⁰ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)alkyl,

-   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, in each case unsubstituted or mono- to    trisubstituted (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₄)alkenyl, (C₂-C₄)alkynyl, or    aryl, where the substituents are selected from the group consisting    of halogen and (C₁-C₈)alkoxy,-   s is 0, 1 or 2.    (9) 3-(5-Tetrazolylcarbonyl)-2-chinolones, e.g.    1,2-dihydro-4-hydroxy-1-ethyl-3-(5-tetrazolylcarbonyl)-2-chinolone    (CAS-Reg. No. 219479-18-2),    1,2-dihydro-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(5-tetrazolyl-carbonyl)-2-chinolone    (CAS-Reg. No. 95855-00-8) (cf. WO 99/00020).    (10) Compounds of the formulae (VI-a) and (VI-b)

(known from WO 2007/023719 and WO 2007/023764), whereinR¹² represents halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, methoxy, nitro, cyano, CF₃, OCF₃,Y, Z independently represent O or S,t is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4,R¹³ represents (C₁-C₁₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, aryl, benzyl,halogenobenzyl,R¹⁴ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl.(11) Oxyimino compounds, known as seed treatment agents, e.g.“oxabetrinil” [(Z)-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitril],“fluxofenim”[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-ethanone-O-(1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl)-oxime],and “cyometrinil” or “CGA-43089”[(Z)-cyanomethoxyimino(phenyl)acetonitril], all known as seed treatmentsafener for sorghum against damage by metolachlor.(12) Isothiochromanones, e.g. methyl[(3-oxo-1H-2-benzothiopyran-4(3H)-ylidene)methoxy]acetate (CAS-Reg. No.205121-04-6) and similar compounds known from WO 98/13361.(13) Compounds from the group consisting of “naphthalic anhydrid”(1,8-naphthalinedicarboxylic acid anhydride), which is known as seedtreatment safener for corn (maize) against damage by thiocarbamateherbicides, “fenclorim” (4,6-dichloro-2-phenylpyrimidine), which isknown as seed treatment safener in sown rice against damage bypretilachlor, “flurazole”(benzyl-2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-carboxylate), which isknown as seed treatment safener for sorghum against damage by alachlorand metolachlor, “CL 304415” (CAS-Reg. No. 31541-57-8),(4-carboxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-acetic acid) of AmericanCyanamid, which is known as safener for corn (maize) against damage byimidazolinones, “MG 191” (CAS-Reg. No. 96420-72-3)(2-dichloromethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane) of Nitrokemia, known assafener for corn (maize), “MG-838” (CAS-Reg. No. 133993-74-5),(2-propenyl 1-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane-4-carbodithioate) of Nitrokemia,“Disulfoton” (O,O-diethyl-S-2-ethylthioethyl phosphorodithioate),“dietholate” (O,O-diethyl-O-phenylphosphorothioate), “mephenate”(4-chlorophenyl-methylcarbamate).(14) Compounds, which besides herbicidal activity als exhibit Safeneractivity in crops like rice, e.g. “Dimepiperate” or “MY-93”(S-1-methyl-1-phenylethyl-piperidin-1-carbothioate), which is known assafener for rice against damage by molinate, “daimuron” or “SK 23”[1-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-3-p-tolyl-urea], which is known as safenerfor rice against damage by imazosulfuron, “cumyluron”=“JC-940”[3-(2-chlorophenylmethyl)-1-(1-methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)urea] (cf. JP-A60-087254), which is known as safener for rice against damage by someherbicides, “methoxyphenon” or “NK 049”(3,3′-dimethyl-4-methoxy-benzophenone), which is known as safener forrice against damage by some herbicides, “CSB”[1-bromo-4-(chloromethylsulfonyl)benzene] of Kumiai (CAS-Reg. No.54091-06-4), which is known as safener for rice against damage by someherbicides.(15) Compounds, which are mainly used as herbicides, but which exhibitalso safener activity on some crops, e.g. (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)aceticacid (2,4-D), (4-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid,(R,S)-2-(4-chlor-o-tolyloxy)propionic acid (mecoprop),4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB),(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)acetic acid (MCPA), 4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyricacid, 4-(4-chlorophenoxy)butyric acid, 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoicacid (dicamba), 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl-3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoate(lactidichlor-ethyl).

Examples of plant growth regulators which may be mentioned arechlorocholine chloride and ethephon.

Examples of plant nutrients which may be mentioned are customaryinorganic or organic fertilizers for supplying plants with macro- and/ormicronutrients.

Suitable externders and/or surfactants which may be contained in thecompositions according to the invention are all formulation auxiliarieswhich can customarily be used in plant treatment compositions.

In the compositions according to the invention the ratio of Propineb toan agrochemically active compound of group (B) can be varied within arelatively wide range. In general, between 0.02 and 2.0 parts by weight,preferably between 0.05 and 1.0 part by weight, of Propineb of theformula (I) is/are employed per part by weight of agrochemically activecompound.

When employing the active compounds of the formula (I) which can be usedaccording to the invention as bird repellents, the application rates canbe varied within a certain range, depending on the type of application.In the treatment of seed, the application rates of active compound ofthe formula (I) are generally between 10 and 10000 mg per kilogram ofseed, preferably between 10 and 300 mg per kilogram of seed. When usedin solid formulations, the application rates of active compound of theformula (I) are generally between 20 and 800 mg per kilogram offormulation, preferably between 30 and 700 mg per kilogram offormulation.

Furthermore the invention relates to a method of repelling birds,characterized in that Propineb is offered to the birds and/or theirhabitat.

The fungicides used according to the invention are generally applied inform of a composition comprising at least Propineb as mentioned above.Preferably the fungicidal composition comprises agriculturallyacceptable additives, solvents, carriers, surfactants, or extenders.

The present invention furthermore relates to compositions comprising theactive compound combinations according to the invention. Preferably, thecompositions are fungicidal compositions comprising agriculturallysuitable carriers or extenders.

According to the invention, carrier is to be understood as meaning anatural or synthetic, organic or inorganic substance which is mixed orcombined with the active compounds for better applicability, inparticular for application to plants or plant parts or seeds. Thecarrier, which may be solid or liquid, is generally inert and should besuitable for use in agriculture.

Suitable solid carriers are: for example ammonium salts and naturalground minerals, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz,attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground syntheticminerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and natural orsynthetic silicates, resins, waxes, solid fertilizers, water, alcohols,especially butanol, organic solvents, mineral oils and vegetable oils,and also derivatives thereof. It is also possible to use mixtures ofsuch carriers. Solid carriers suitable for granules are: for examplecrushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble,pumice, sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganicand organic meals and also granules of organic material, such assawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks. Suitableemulsifiers and/or foam-formers are: for example nonionic and anionicemulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylenefatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers,alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, and also proteinhydrolysates. Suitable dispersants are: for example lignosulphite wasteliquors and methylcellulose.

Suitable liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are liquids which aregaseous at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure, forexample aerosol propellants, such as butane, propane, nitrogen andcarbon dioxide.

Tackifiers, such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and syntheticpolymers in the form of powders, granules and latices, such as gumarabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or else naturalphospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins and syntheticphospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other possible additivesare mineral and vegetable oils.

If the extender used is water, it is also possible for example, to useorganic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquid solvents areessentially: aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene oralkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinatedaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes ormethylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane orparaffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetableoils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and estersthereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutylketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such asdimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and also water.

The compositions according to the invention may comprise additionalfurther components, such as, for example, surfactants. Suitablesurfactants are emulsifiers, dispersants or wetting agents having ionicor nonionic properties, or mixtures of these surfactants. Examples ofthese are salts of polyacrylic acid, salts of lignosulphonic acid, saltsof phenolsulphonic acid or naphthalenesulphonic acid, polycondensates ofethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fattyamines, substituted phenols (preferably alkylphenols or arylphenols),salts of sulphosuccinic esters, taurine derivatives (preferably alkyltaurates), phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated alcohols or phenols,fatty esters of polyols, and derivatives of the compounds containingsulphates, sulphonates and phosphates. The presence of a surfactant isrequired if one of the active compounds and/or one of the inert carriersis insoluble in water and when the application takes place in water. Theproportion of surfactants is between 5 and 40 percent by weight of thecomposition according to the invention.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for exampleiron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian blue, and organic dyes, such asalizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and tracenutrients, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt,molybdenum and zinc.

If appropriate, other additional components may also be present, forexample protective colloids, binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropicsubstances, penetrants, stabilizers, sequestering agents, complexformers. In general, the active compounds can be combined with any solidor liquid additive customarily used for formulation purposes.

In general, the compositions according to the invention comprise between0.05 and 99 percent by weight of the active compound combinationaccording to the invention, preferably between 10 and 70 percent byweight, particularly preferably between 20 and 50 percent by weight,most preferably 25 percent by weight.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention can be used as such or, depending on their respective physicaland/or chemical properties, in the form of their formulations or the useforms prepared therefrom, such as aerosols, capsule suspensions,cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates, encapsulatedgranules, fine granules, flow-able concentrates for the treatment ofseed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiableconcentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions,macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscibleflowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes,pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspoemulsionconcentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders,soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets,water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders,natural products and synthetic substances impregnated with activecompound, and also micro-encapsulations in polymeric substances and incoating materials for seed, and also ULV cold-fogging and warm-foggingformulations.

The formulations mentioned can be prepared in a manner known per se, forexample by mixing the active compounds or the active compoundcombinations with at least one additive. Suitable additives are allcustomary formulation auxiliaries, such as, for example, organicsolvents, extenders, solvents or diluents, solid carriers and fillers,surfactants (such as adjuvants, emulsifiers, dispersants, protectivecolloids, wetting agents and tackifiers), dispersants and/or binders orfixatives, preservatives, dyes and pigments, defoamers, inorganic andorganic thickeners, water repellents, if appropriate siccatives and UVstabilizers, gibberellins and also water and further processingauxiliaries. Depending on the formulation type to be prepared in eachcase, further processing steps such as, for example, wet grinding, drygrinding or granulation may be required.

Organic diluents that may be present are all polar and non-polar organicsolvents that are customarily used for such purposes. Preferred areketones, such as methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone, furthermoreamides, such as dimethylformamide and alkanecarboxamides, such asN,N-dimethyldecanamide and N,N-dimethyloctanamide, furthermore cycliccompounds, such as N-methylpyrrolidone, N-octylpyrrolidone,N-dodecylpyrrolidone, N-octylcaprolactam, N-dodecylcaprolactam andbutyrolactone, additionally strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylsulphoxide, furthermore aromatic hydrocarbons, such as xylene,Solvesso™, mineral oils, such as white spirit, petroleum, alkylbenzenesand spindle oil, moreover esters, such as propylene glycol monomethylether acetate, dibutyl adipate, hexyl acetate, heptyl acetate,tri-n-butyl citrate and di-n-butyl phthalate, and furthermore alcohols,such as, for example, benzyl alcohol and 1-methoxy-2-propanol.

Solid carriers suitable for granules are: for example crushed andfractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice,sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganic andorganic meals and also granules of organic material, such as sawdust,coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.

Suitable surfactants (adjuvants, emulsifiers, dispersants, protectivecolloids, wetting agents and tackifiers) are customary ionic andnonionic substances. Examples which may be mentioned are ethoxylatednonylphenols, polyalkylene glycol ethers of straight-chain or branchedalcohols, products of reactions of alkylphenols with ethylene oxideand/or propylene oxide, products of reactions of fatty amines withethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide, furthermore fatty esters,alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkyl etherphosphates, aryl sulphates, ethoxylated arylalkylphenols, such as, forexample, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, furthermore ethoxylated andpropoxylated arylalkylphenols and also sulphated or phosphatedarylalkylphenol ethoxylates or ethoxy- and propoxylates. Mention mayfurthermore be made of natural and synthetic water-soluble polymers,such as lignosulphonates, gelatine, gum arabic, phospholipids, starch,hydrophobically modified starch and cellulose derivatives, in particularcellulose esters and cellulose ethers, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid,polymethacrylic acid and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and(meth)acrylic acid esters, and moreover also alkali metalhydroxide-neutralized copolymers of methacrylic acid and methacrylicester and condensates of optionally substituted naphthalenesulphonicacid salts with formaldehyde.

Suitable solid fillers and carriers are all substances customarily usedfor this purpose in crop pretection compositions. Inorganic particles,such as carbonates, silicates, sulphates and oxides having a meanparticle size of from 0.005 to 20 μm, particularly preferably from 0.02to 10 μm, may be mentioned as being preferred. Examples which may bementioned are ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, urea, calciumcarbonate, calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, magnesium oxide,aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide, finely divided silicic acid, silicagels, natural and synthetic silicates and alumosilicates and vegetableproducts such as cereal meal, wood powder and cellulose powder.

Suitable colorants that may be present in the seed dressing formulationsto be used according to the invention include all colorants customaryfor such purposes. Use may be made both of pigments, of sparingsolubility in water, and of dyes, which are soluble in water. Examplesthat may be mentioned include the colorants known under the designationsRhodamin B, C.I. Pigment Red 112 and C.I. Solvent Red 1. The colorantsused can be inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide,Prussian Blue, and organic dyes, such as alizarin, azo and metalphthalocyanine dyes, and trace nutrients, such as salts of iron,manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

Suitable wetting agents that may be present in the seed dressingformulations to be used according to the invention include allsubstances which promote wetting and are customary in the formulation ofagrochemically active compounds. Preference is given to usingalkylnaphthalenesulphonates, such as diisopropyl- ordiisobutylnaphthalenesulphonates.

Suitable dispersants and/or emulsifiers that may be present in the seeddressing formulations to be used according to the invention include allnonionic, anionic and cationic dispersants which are customary in theformulation of agrochemically active compounds. Preference is given tousing nonionic or anionic dispersants or mixtures of nonionic or anionicdispersants. Particularly suitable nonionic dispersants are ethyleneoxide/propylene oxide block polymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, andalso tristryrylphenol polyglycol ethers and their phosphated orsulphated derivatives. Particularly suitable anionic dispersants arelignosulphonates, polyacrylic acid salts and arylsulphonate/formaldehydecondensates.

Defoamers that may be present in the seed dressing formulations to beused according to the invention include all foam-inhibiting compoundswhich are customary in the formulation of agrochemically activecompounds. Preference is given to using silicone defoamers, magnesiumstearate, silicone emulsions, long-chain alcohols, fatty acids and theirsalts and also or -ganofluorine compounds and mixtures thereof.

Preservatives that may be present in the seed dressing formulations tobe used according to the invention include all compounds which can beused for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. By way of example,mention may be made of dichlorophen and benzyl alcohol hemiformal.

Secondary thickeners that may be present in the seed dressingformulations to be used according to the invention include all compoundswhich can be used for such purposes in agrochemical compositions.Preference is given to cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid derivatives,polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum or Veegum, modified clays,phyllosilicates, such as attapulgite and bentonite, and also finelydivided silicic acids.

Suitable adhesives that may be present in the seed dressing formulationsto be used according to the invention include all customary binderswhich can be used in seed dressings. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and tylose may be mentioned as beingpreferred.

Suitable gibberellins that may be present in the seed dressingformulations to be used according to the invention are preferably thegibberellins A1, A3 (=gibberellic acid), A4 and A7; particularpreference is given to using gibberellic acid. The gibberellins areknown (cf. R. Wegler “Chemie der Pflanzenschutz- andSchadlingsbekampfungsmittel” [Chemistry of Crop Protection Agents andPesticides], Vol. 2, Springer Verlag, 1970, pp. 401-412).

The formulations generally comprise between 0.1 and 95% by weight ofactive compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

The active compound combinations according to the invention can bepresent in commercial formulations and in the use forms prepared fromthese formulations as a mixture with other active compounds, such asinsecticides, attractants, sterilants, bactericides, acaricides,nematicides, fungicides, growth regulators or herbicides. A mixture withfertilizers is also possible.

The treatment according to the invention of the plants and plant partswith the active compound combinations or compositions is carried outdirectly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage spaceusing customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying,atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting,foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigatingand, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case ofseeds, furthermore as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution forseed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, byincrusting, by coating with one or more coats, etc. Preference is givento application by dipping, spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating,dusting, fogging, broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on,watering (drenching) and drip irrigating.

The application of the formulations is carried out in accordance withcustomary agricultural practice in a manner adapted to the applicationforms. Customary applications are, for example, dilution with water andspraying of the resulting spray liquor, application after dilution withoil, direct application without dilution, seed dressing or soilapplication of carrier granules.

The active compound content of the application forms prepared from thecommercial formulations can vary within wide limits. The active compoundconcentration of the application forms can be from 0.0000001 up to 95%by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.0001 and 2% byweight.

The compositions according to the invention do not only compriseready-to-use compositions which can be applied with suitable apparatusto the plant or the seed, but also commercial concentrates which have tobe diluted with water prior to use.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention have strong microbicidal activity and can be used forcontrolling unwanted microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, in cropprotection.

In crop protection, fungicides can be used for controllingPlasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes,Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes.

In crop protection, bactericides can be used for controllingPseudomonadaceae, Rhi-zobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceaeand Streptomycetaceae.

The fungicidal compositions according to the invention can be used forthe curative or protective control of phytopathogenic fungi.Accordingly, the invention also relates to curative and protectivemethods for controlling phytopathogenic fungi using the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention, which areapplied to the seed, the plant or plant parts, the fruit or the soil inwhich the plants grow. Preference is given to application onto the plantor the plant parts, the fruits or the soil in which the plants grow.

According to the invention, it is possible to treat all plants and partsof plants. Plants are to be understood here as meaning all plants andplant populations, such as wanted and unwanted wild plants or cropplants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants can beplants which can be obtained by conventional breeding and optimizationmethods or by biotechnological and genetic engineering methods orcombinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants andincluding plant cultivars which can or cannot be protected by varietalproperty rights. Parts of plants are to be understood as meaning allabove-ground and below-ground parts and organs of the plants, such asshoot, leaf, flower and root, examples which may be mentioned beingleaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers, fruit bodies, fruits and seedsand also roots, tubers and rhizomes. Plant parts also include harvestedmaterial and vegetative and generative propagation material, for exampleseedlings, tubers, rhizomes, cuttings and seeds. Preference is given tothe treatment of the plants and the above-ground and below-ground partsand organs of the plants, such as shoot, leaf, flower and root, exampleswhich may be mentioned being leaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers,fruits.

The following plants may be mentioned as plants which can be treatedaccording to the invention: cotton, flax, grapevines, fruit, vegetable,such as Rosaceae sp. (for example pomaceous fruit, such as apples andpears, but also stone fruit, such as apricots, cherries, almonds andpeaches and soft fruit such as strawberries), Ribesioidae sp.,Juglandaceae sp., Betulaceae sp., Anacardiaceae sp., Fagaceae sp.,Moraceae sp., Oleaceae sp., Actimidaceae sp., Lauraceae sp., Musaceaesp. (for example banana trees and plantations), Rubiaceae sp. (forexample coffee), Theaceae sp., Sterculiceae sp., Rutaceae sp. (forexample lemons, oranges and grapefruit), Solanaceae sp. (for exampletomatoes), Liliaceae sp., Asteraceae sp. (for example lettuce),Umbelliferae sp., Cruciferae sp., Chenopodiaceae sp., Cucurbitaceae sp.(for example cucumbers), Alliaceae sp. (for example leek, onions),Papilionaceae sp. (for example peas); major crop plants, such Gramineaesp. (for example maize, lawn, cereals such as wheat, rye, rice, barley,oats, millet and triticale), Asteraceae sp. (for example sunflowers),Brassicaceae sp. (for example white cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli,cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, pak Choi, kohlrabi, garden radish, andalso oilseed rape, mustard, horseradish and cress), Fabacae sp. (forexample beans, peas), Papilionaceae sp. (for example soya beans),Solanaceae sp. (for example potatoes), Chenopodiaceae sp. (for examplesugarbeet, fodderbeet, swiss chard, beetroot); crop plants andornamental plants in garden and forest; and also in each casegenetically modified varieties of these plants. Preferably, cereals,maize, sunflower, soya beans are treated according to the invention.

The method according to the invention for controlling phytopathogenicfungi can also be employed for treating genetically modified organisms,for example plants or seeds. Genetically modified plants are plantswhose genome has, stably integrated, a certain heterologous gene codingfor a certain protein. Here, “heterologous gene” is meant to beunderstood as a gene which confers novel agronomical properties on thetransformed plant, or a gene which improves the agronomical quality ofthe modified plant.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to treat all plants and theirparts according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, wild plantspecies and plant cultivars, or those obtained by conventionalbiological breeding methods, such as crossing or protoplast fusion, andparts thereof, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment,transgenic plants and plant cultivars obtained by genetic engineeringmethods, if appropriate in combination with conventional methods(genetically modified organisms), and parts thereof are treated. Theterms “parts”, “parts of plants” and “plant parts” have been explainedabove. Particularly preferably, plants of the plant cultivars which arein each case commercially available or in use are treated according tothe invention.

Depending on the plant species or plant cultivars, their location andgrowth conditions (soil, climate, vegetation period, diet), thetreatment according to the invention may also result in superadditive(“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, reduced application ratesand/or a widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in theactivity of the substances and compositions which can be used accordingto the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high orlow temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soilsalt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting,accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, higher quality and/or ahigher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storagestability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible,which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.

The preferred transgenic plants or plant cultivars (obtained by geneticengineering) which are to be treated according to the invention includeall plants which, by virtue of the genetic modification, receivedgenetic material which imparts particularly advantageous, useful traitsto these plants. Examples of such traits are better plant growth,increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance todrought or to water or soil salt content, increased floweringperformance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvestyields, higher quality and/or a higher nutritional value of theharvested products, better storage stability and/or processability ofthe harvested products. Further and particularly emphasized examples ofsuch traits are a better defence of the plants against animal andmicrobial pests, such as against insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi,bacteria and/or viruses, and also increased tolerance of the plants tocertain herbicidally active compounds. Examples of trans-genic plantswhich may be mentioned are the important crop plants, such as cereals(wheat, rice), maize, soya beans, potatoes, cotton, oilseed rape, andalso fruit plants (with the fruits apples, pears, citrus fruits andgrapes), and particular emphasis is given to maize, soya beans,potatoes, cotton, and oilseed rape. “Traits” that are emphasized are inparticular increased defence of the plants against insects by virtue oftoxins formed in the plants, in particular those formed in the plants bythe genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis (for example by thegenes CryIA(a), CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIIA, CryIIIA, CryIIIB2, Cry9cCry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CryIF and also combinations thereof) (hereinbelowreferred to as “Bt plants”). Traits that are also particularlyemphasized are the increased tolerance of the plants to certainherbicidally active compounds, for example imidazolinones,sulphonylureas, glyphosate or phosphinotricin (for example the “PAT”gene). The genes which impart the desired traits in question can also bepresent in combination with one another in the transgenic plants.Examples of “Bt plants” which may be mentioned are maize varieties,cotton varieties, soya bean varieties and potato varieties which aresold under the trade names YIELD GARD® (for example maize, cotton, soyabeans), KnockOut® (for example maize), StarLink® (for example maize),Bollgard® (cotton), Nucotn® (cotton) and NewLeaf® (potatoes). Examplesof herbicide-tolerant plants which may be mentioned are maize varieties,cotton varieties and soya bean varieties which are sold under the tradenames Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, for example maize,cotton, soya bean), Liberty Link® (tolerance to phosphinotricin, forexample oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance to imidazolinones) and STS®(tolerance to sulphonylureas, for example maize). Herbicide-resistantplants (plants bred in a conventional manner for herbicide tolerance)which may be mentioned include the varieties sold under the nameClearfield® (for example maize). Of course, these statements also applyto plant cultivars having these genetic traits or genetic traits stillto be developed, which plant cultivars will be developed and/or marketedin the future.

A further application of the active compound combinations andcompositions according to the invention is the protection of wood andtimber. The insecticidal and fungicidal compositions or concentratesused for protecting wood and timber comprise the active compoundaccording to the invention in a concentration of from 0.0001 to 95% byweight, in particular from 0.001 to 60% by weight.

Some pathogens of fungal diseases which can be treated according to theinvention may be mentioned by way of example, but not by way oflimitation:

Diseases caused by powdery mildew pathogens, such as, for example,Blumeria species, such as, for example, Blumeria graminis; Podosphaeraspecies, such as, for example, Podosphaera leucotricha; Sphaerothecaspecies, such as, for example, Sphaerotheca fuliginea; Uncinula species,such as, for example, Uncinula necator;Diseases caused by rust disease pathogens, such as, for example,Gymnosporangium species, such as, for example, Gymnosporangium sabinae;Hemileia species, such as, for example, Hemileia vastatrix; Phakopsoraspecies, such as, for example, Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Phakopsorameibomiae; Puccinia species, such as, for example, Puccinia recondita orPuccinia triticina; Uromyces species, such as, for example, Uromycesappendiculatus;Diseases caused by pathogens from the group of the Oomycetes, such as,for example, Bremia species, such as, for example, Bremia lactucae;Peronospora species, such as, for example, Peronospora pisi or P.brassicae; Phytophthora species, such as, for example Phytophthorainfestans; Plasmopara species, such as, for example, Plasmoparaviticola; Pseudoperonospora species, such as, for example,Pseudoperonospora humuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis; Pythium species,such as, for example, Pythium ultimum;Leaf blotch diseases and leaf wilt diseases caused, for example, byAlternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria solani; Cercosporaspecies, such as, for example, Cercospora beticola; Cladiosporiumspecies, such as, for example, Cladiosporium cucumerinum; Cochliobolusspecies, such as, for example, Cochliobolus sativus (conidia form:Drechslera, Syn: Helminthosporium); Colletotrichum species, such as, forexample, Colletotrichum lindemuthanium; Cycloconium species, such as,for example, Cycloconium oleaginum; Diaporthe species, such as, forexample, Diaporthe citri; Elsinoe species, such as, for example, Elsinoefawcettii; Gloeosporium species, such as, for example, Gloeosporiumlaeticolor; Glomerella species, such as, for example, Glomerellacingulata; Guignardia species, such as, for example, Guignardiabidwelli; Leptosphaeria species, such as, for example, Leptosphaeriamaculans; Magnaporthe species, such as, for example, Magnaporthe grisea;Microdochium species, such as, for example, Microdochium nivale;Mycosphaerella species, such as, for example, Mycosphaerella graminicolaand M. fijiensis; Phaeosphaeria species, such as, for example,Phaeosphaeria nodorum; Pyrenophora species, such as, for example,Pyrenophora teres; Ramularia species, such as, for example, Ramulariacollo-cygni; Rhynchosporium species, such as, for example,Rhynchosporium secalis; Septoria species, such as, for example, Septoriaapii; Typhula species, such as, for example, Typhula incarnata; Venturiaspecies, such as, for example, Venturia inaequalis;Root and stem diseases caused, for example, by Corticium species, suchas, for example, Corticium graminearum; Fusarium species, such as, forexample, Fusarium oxysporum; Gaeumannomyces species, such as, forexample, Gaeumannomyces graminis; Rhizoctonia species, such as, forexample Rhizoctonia solani; Tapesia species, such as, for example,Tapesia acuformis; Thielaviopsis species, such as, for example,Thielaviopsis basicola;Ear and panicle diseases (including maize cobs) caused, for example, byAlternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria spp.; Aspergillusspecies, such as, for example, Aspergillus flavus; Cladosporium species,such as, for example, Cladosporium cladosporioides; Claviceps species,such as, for example, Claviceps purpurea; Fusarium species, such as, forexample, Fusarium culmorum; Gibberella species, such as, for example,Gibberella zeae; Monographella species, such as, for example,Monographella nivalis; Septoria species, such as for example, Septorianodorum;Diseases caused by smut fungi, such as, for example, Sphacelothecaspecies, such as, for example, Sphacelotheca reiliana; Tilletia species,such as, for example, Tilletia caries; T. controversa; Urocystisspecies, such as, for example, Urocystis occulta; Ustilago species, suchas, for example, Ustilago nuda; U. nuda tritici;Seed- and soil-borne rot and wilt diseases, and also diseases ofseedlings, caused, for example, by Fusarium species, such as, forexample, Fusarium culmorum; Microdochium species, such as, for example,Microdochium nivale; Tilletia species, such as, for example, Tilletiacaries; Ustilago species, such as, for example, Ustilago tritici,Utilago nuda; Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophoragraminea, Prenophora teres; Phytophthora species, such as, for example,Phytophthora cactorum; Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythiumultimum; Rhizoctonia species, such as, for example, Rhizoctonia solani;Sclerotium species, such as, for example, Sclerotium rolfsii; Alternariaspecies, such as, for example, Alternaria brassicae; Phoma species, suchas, for example, Phoma lingam.Diseases of flowers and seeds caused, for example, by Botrytis species,such as, for example, Botrytis cinerea;Diseases of plant tubers caused, for example, by Rhizoctonia species,such as, for example, Rhizoctonia solani; Helminthosporium species, suchas, for example, Helminthosporium solani;Diseases caused by bacteriopathogens, such as, for example, Xanthomonasspecies, such as, for example, Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae;Pseudomonas species, such as, for example, Pseudomonas syringae pv.lachrymans; Erwinia species, such as, for example, Erwinia amylovora.

Preference is given to controlling the following:

Seed- and soil-borne rot and wilt diseases, and also diseases ofseedlings, caused, for example, by Fusarium species, such as, forexample, Fusarium culmorum; Microdochium species, such as, for example,Microdochium nivale; Tilletia species, such as, for example, Tilletiacaries; Ustilago species, such as, for example, Ustilago tritici,Ustilago nuda; Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophoragraminea, Pyrenophora teres; Phytophthora species, such as, for example,Phytophthora cactorum; Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythiumultimum; Rhizoctonia species, such as, for example, Rhizoctonia solani;Sclerotium species, such as, for example, Sclerotium rolfsii; Alternariaspecies, such as, for example, Alternaria brassicae; Phoma species, suchas, for example, Phoma lingam.

It is also possible to control resistant strains of the organismsmentioned above.

The application rate of the active compound combinations according tothe invention is

-   -   when treating seed: from 2 to 400 g per 100 kg of seed,        preferably from 5 to 200 g pro 100 kg of seed, particularly        preferably from 10 to 175 g per 100 kg of seed;

These application rates are mentioned only by way of example and not byway of limitation in the sense of the invention.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention can thus be employed for protecting plants for a certainperiod of time after treatment against attack by the pathogensmentioned. The period for which protection is provided extends generallyfor 1 to 28 days, preferably 1 to 14 days, after the treatment of theplants with the active compounds, or up to 200 days after a seedtreatment.

In addition, by the treatment according to the invention it is possibleto reduce the mycotoxin content in the harvested material and thefoodstuff and feedstuff prepared therefrom. Particular, but notexclusive, mention may be made here of the following mycotoxins:deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol, 15-Ac-DON, 3-Ac-DON, T2- and HT2-toxin,fumonisine, zearalenon, moniliformin, fusarin, diaceotoxyscirpenol(DAS), beauvericin, enniatin, fusaroproliferin, fusarenol, ochratoxins,patulin, ergot alkaloids and aflatoxins produced, for example, by thefollowing fungi: Fusarium spec., such as Fusarium acuminatum, F.avenaceum, F. crookwellense, F culmorum, F. graminearum (Gibberellazeae), F. equiseti, F. fujikoroi, F. musarum, F. oxysporum, F.proliferatum, F. poae, F. pseudograminearum, F. sambucinum, F. scirpi,F. semitectum, F. solani, F. sporotrichoides, F. langsethiae, F.subglutinans, F. tricinctum, F. verticillioides, inter alia, and also byAspergillus spec., Penicillium spec., Claviceps purpurea, Stachybotrysspec. inter alia.

The invention furthermore comprises a method for treating seed where theindividual active compounds are applied simultaneously to the seed.Moreover, the invention comprises a method for treating seed where theindividual active compounds are applied successively to the seed.Moreover, the invention comprises a method for treating seed where anindividual active compound is applied first, followed by a binarymixture of the two other active compounds. Alternatively, it is alsopossible to apply to the seed first a binary mixture, followed by theremaining individual active compound. If active compounds and/orindividual active compounds and binary mixtures are applied separately,this is preferably carried out in different layers. These layers mayadditionally be separated by layers without active compound.

The invention furthermore relates to seed treated according to one ofthe methods described in the preceding paragraph.

The active compound combinations or compositions according to theinvention are especially suitable for treating seed. A large part of thedamage to crop plants caused by harmful organisms is triggered by aninfection of the seed during storage or after sowing as well as duringand after germination of the plant. This phase is particularly criticalsince the roots and shoots of the growing plant are particularlysensitive, and even small damage may result in the death of the plant.Accordingly, there is great interest in protecting the seed and thegerminating plant by using appropriate compositions.

The control of phytopathogenic fungi by treating the seed of plants hasbeen known for a long time and is the subject of continuousimprovements. However, the treatment of seed entails a series ofproblems which cannot always be solved in a satisfactory manner. Thus,it is desirable to develop methods for protecting the seed and thegerminating plant which dispense with the additional application of cropprotection agents after sowing or after the emergence of the plants orwhich at least considerably reduce additional application. It isfurthermore desirable to optimize the amount of active compound employedin such a way as to provide maximum protection for the seed and thegerminating plant from attack by phytopathogenic fungi, but withoutdamaging the plant itself by the active compound employed. Inparticular, methods for the treatment of seed should also take intoconsideration the intrinsic fungicidal properties of transgenic plantsin order to achieve optimum protection of the seed and the germinatingplant with a minimum of crop protection agents being employed.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates in particular to amethod for protecting seed and germinating plants against attack byphytopathogenic fungi by treating the seed with a composition accordingto the invention. The invention also relates to the use of thecompositions according to the invention for treating seed for protectingthe seed and the germinating plant against phytopathogenic fungi.Furthermore, the invention relates to seed treated with a compositionaccording to the invention for protection against phytopathogenic fungi.

The control of phytopathogenic fungi which damage plants post-emergenceis carried out primarily by treating the soil and the above-ground partsof plants with crop protection compositions. Owing to the concernsregarding a possible impact of the crop protection composition on theenvironment and the health of humans and animals, there are efforts toreduce the amount of active compounds applied.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that, because of theparticular systemic properties of the compositions according to theinvention, treatment of the seed with these compositions not onlyprotects the seed itself, but also the resulting plants after emergence,from phytopathogenic fungi. In this manner, the immediate treatment ofthe crop at the time of sowing or shortly thereafter can be dispensedwith.

It is also considered to be advantageous that the mixtures according tothe invention can be used in particular also for transgenic seed wherethe plant growing from this seed is capable of expressing a proteinwhich acts against pests. By treating such seed with the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention, even by theexpression of the, for example, insecticidal protein, certain pests maybe controlled. Surprisingly, a further synergistic effect may beobserved here, which additionally increases the effectiveness of theprotection against attack by pests.

The compositions according to the invention are suitable for protectingseed of any plant variety employed in agriculture. In particular, thistakes the form of seed of maize, peanuts, oilseed rape, poppies, soyabean, beets (for example sugar beets and fodder beets), rice, millet,wheat, barley, rye, triticale, oats, cotton, potatoes, sunflowers,beans, vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and lettuce), anda range of the so-called energy crops such as miscanthus, pennisetum,Sudan grass, white sweet clover.

As already described, the treatment of transgenic seed with the activecompound combinations or compositions according to the invention is ofparticular importance. This refers to the seed of plants containing atleast one heterologous gene which allows the expression of a polypeptideor protein having insecticidal properties. The heterologous gene intransgenic seed can originate, for example, from microorganisms of thespecies Bacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Trichoderma,Clavibacter, Glomus or Gliocladium. Preferably, this heterologous geneis from Bacillus sp., the gene product having activity against theEuropean corn borer and/or the Western corn rootworm. Particularlypreferably, the heterologous gene originates from Bacillusthuringiensis.

In the context of the present invention, the active compoundcombinations or compositions according to the invention are applied ontheir own or in a suitable formulation to the seed. Preferably, the seedis treated in a state in which it is sufficiently stable so that thetreatment does not cause any damage. In general, treatment of the seedmay take place at any point in time between harvesting and sowing.Usually, the seed used is separated from the plant and freed from cobs,shells, stalks, coats, hairs or the flesh of the fruits. Thus, it ispossible to use, for example, seed which has been harvested, cleaned anddried to a moisture content of less than 15% by weight. Alternatively,it is also possible to use seed which, after drying, has been treated,for example, with water and then dried again.

When treating the seed, care must generally be taken that the amount ofthe composition according to the invention applied to the seed and/orthe amount of further additives is chosen in such a way that thegermination of the seed is not adversely affected, or that the resultingplant is not damaged. This must be borne in mind in particular in thecase of active compounds which may have phytotoxic effects at certainapplication rates.

The compositions according to the invention can be applied directly,that is to say without comprising further components and without havingbeen diluted. In general, it is preferable to apply the compositions tothe seed in the form of a suitable formulation. Suitable formulationsand methods for the treatment of seed are known to the person skilled inthe art and are described, for example, in the following documents: U.S.Pat. No. 4,272,417 A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,432 A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,430A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,739 A, US 2003/0176428 Al, WO 2002/080675 A1, WO2002/028186 A2.

The invention is illustrated by—but not limited to—the examples below.

Use Example Screening Experiment with Pigeon on the Repellency of MaizeSeeds Treated with Different Thiram and Propineb Formulations

15 singly housed pigeons were acclimated to maize as food source over acouple of days. From day—3 to day—1 they received exclusively untreatedmaize (40 g/bird). Food consumption was determined (see Table 1 below).All birds accepted maize seed as food. The different groups behavedsimilarly:

TABLE 1 Food consumption of untreated maize (in g) between day −3 andday −1 Day −3 Day −2 Day −1 2008 2008 2008 Mean/ Mean/ Aviary Group Oct.26 Oct. 27 Oct. 28 birds group 1 Thiram 15.46 22.81 21.82 20.03 20.4 2160 g/dt 20.93 24.49 21.01 22.14 3 14.10 20.52 22.65 19.09 4 Thiram12.42 18.38 18.25 16.35 18.5 5 80 g/dt 19.04 23.16 21.61 21.27 6 15.2018.25 20.30 17.92 7 Propineb 10.83 18.02 3.50 10.78 10.1 8 160 g/dt 5.0216.62 12.45 11.36 9 3.88 16.14 4.68 8.23 10 Propinep 5.33 9.96 12.299.19 15.6 11 80 g/dtr 25.31 26.33 20.36 24.00 12 18.72 15.47 6.44 13.54

For 3 days each of the pigeons received 40 untreated and 40 g treatedmaize. Food was offered in 2 bowls, one with treated, the other withuntreated maize. The position of the two bowls was changed from day today as well as during the day. Food consumption was again measured (seeTable 2 below)

Group 1 (Aviary 1 to 3): Thiram 160 g/dtGroup 2 (Aviary 4 to 6): Thiram 80 g/dtGroup 3 (Aviary 7 to 9): Propineb160 g/dtGroup 4 (Aviary 10 to 12):Propineb 80 g/dt

TABLE 2 Food consumption of untreated and treated maize (in g) Day 0 Day1 Day 2 2008 Oct. 29 2008 Oct. 30 2008 Oct. 31 Mean/birds Mean/groupAviary Group U T U T U T U T U T 1 Thiram 160 g/dt 1.4 17.4 7.2 15.814.5 8.4 7.7 13.9 18.6 4.6 2 27.8 0.0 25.8 0.0 23.4 0.0 25.6 0.0 3 21.50.0 22.5 0.0 23.0 0.0 22.4 0.0 4 Thiram 80 g/dt 14.4 2.8 11.8 0.6 14.53.2 13.6 2.2 16.8 0.7 5 15.8 0.0 18.4 0.0 19.3 0.0 17.8 0.0 6 18.9 0.018.2 0.0 19.7 0.0 18.9 0.0 7 Propineb 160 g/dt 23.1 0.0 24.6 0.0 26.10.0 24.6 0.0 24.4 0.2 8 24.6 0.0 19.5 1.8 19.9 0.0 21.3 0.6 9 20.0 0.030.2 0.0 28.3 0.0 26.2 0.0 10 Propineb 80 g/dt 17.1 1.3 17.5 2.9 25.90.0 20.1 1.4 20.6 1.7 11 20.3 0.0 23.2 1.7 27.5 0.0 23.6 0.6 12 4.8 7.220.6 1.8 28.6 0.0 18.0 3.0 U. untreated; T:. treated

TABLE 3 Mean food consumption of treated and untreated maize per groupand per day (in g) day 0 day 1 day 3 untreated treated untreated treateduntreated treated Group 1 Thiram 160 g/dt 16.9 6.0 18.5 5.3 20.3 2.8Group 2 Thiram 80 g/dt 16.4 0.9 16.1 0.2 17.8 1.1 Group 3 Propineb 160g/dt 22.6 0.0 24.8 0.6 24.8 0.0 Group 4 Propineb 80 g/dt 14.1 2.8 20.42.1 27.3 0.0

From this example, it can be stated that Propineb achieved asubstantially better activity than Thiram when compared at theregistered rate of Thiram.

1. A Method of repelling a bird comprising offering a compositioncomprising Propineb to a bird and/or a habitat thereof.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said composition comprises A) Propineb, and B) anagrochemically active compound.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theratio of (A) to (B) is between 0.02 and 2.0 parts by weight.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the ratio of (A) to (B) is between 0.05 and1.0 parts by weight.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said compositioncomprises an inorganic particle having a mean particle size of from0.005 to 20 nm.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition isapplied to a seed or plant.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein saidcomposition is applied to a seed at a rate of from 2 to 400 g per 100 gof seed.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said composition is appliedto a seed at a rate of from 5 to 200 g per 100 g of seed.
 9. The methodof claim 6, wherein said composition is applied to a seed at a rate offrom 10 to 175 g per 100 g of seed.
 10. The method of claim 6, whereinsaid seed is a maize seed.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein said seedis derived from a transgenic plant.
 12. The method of claim 6, whereinsaid composition protects a seed or plant for up to 200 days.
 13. Themethod of claim 2, wherein said agrochemically active compound isselected from the group consisting of a bactericide, fungicide, aninsecticide, an acaricide, a nematicide, a molluscicide, a safener, aplant growth regulators, and a plant nutrient an insecticide.
 14. Amethod of protecting a seed or plant from a bird comprising treatingsaid seed or said plant with a composition comprising Propineb.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said composition comprises A) Propineb, andB) an agrochemically active compound.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein said agrochemically active compound is selected from the groupconsisting of a bactericide, fungicide, an insecticide, an acaricide, anematicide, a molluscicide, a safener, a plant growth regulators, and aplant nutrient an insecticide.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein theratio of (A) to (B) is between 0.02 and 2.0 parts by weight.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the ratio of (A) to (B) is between 0.05 and1.0 parts by weight.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein saidcomposition is applied to a seed at a rate of from 2 to 400 g per 100 gof seed.
 20. A Method of repelling a bird comprising offering acomposition consisting essentially of Propineb to a bird and/or ahabitat thereof.